Seems like everyone has an idea for how to fix the “health care system”. I’m not sure what they include in their health care system. Some of these ideas talk about making sure everyone has health insurance, others access to health care and most point to affordability especially on prescription drugs. The dividing line is once again, state run versus the free market.
I contend the health care system has been bastardized and put in peril by the state. Instead of letting free market economics prevail, the state has intervened on a regular basis and to our detriment. Hospitals are required to serve anyone who presents themselves regardless of ability to pay. The unintended consequence is some use the hospital like a primary physician and have that cost born by others. Rather than allow for different levels and increased numbers of care providers, training and licensing requirements limit them. Fewer numbers of providers ultimately contribute to higher cost. The ultimate intervention, the falsely titled, “Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act”, aka Obamacare, tried to eliminate private health insurance. One of its most egregious planks was requiring comprehensive and consistent insurance policies. It resulted in 80 year old women having to pay for maternity coverage.
So here is my idea and yes it does require some state intervention. First is review all education and licensing requirements for health care providers and align them with the services now being demanded by patients. Some states are awakening to this and you see nurse practioners and anesthetists, physicians’ assistants, and other positions permitted to perform procedures previously limited to accredited physicians. Next is requiring hospitals and other licensed facilities (ex. testing companies) to post their prices for goods and services. (How much was that aspirin you just gave me?) Revise tax laws to give a dollar for dollar tax credit for donations to health care providers that care for the indigent. Finally, establish high risk pools, as is done in the Property and Casualty insurance business, to provide insurance coverage for those with pre-existing conditions when they cannot obtain insurance in the free market.
I don’t feel informed enough on pharmaceuticals to offer any suggestion but I’m all ears!
Current Day Publius 